Walking on the Alto Adige Wine Road

Route: from the car park at Kalterer See lake, continue north to the Geier restaurant. Behind the restaurant, a narrow trail leads to the north into the orchards. Walk along these and turn off to the right in an easterly direction following the markers. At the slope on the eastern side of the valley, turn right, passing by the hotel on the left to the Klughammer road. First follow this road, then continue on a trail above the road.

This trail ends at the southern end of the lake. Cross the road to join the Nature Discovery Trail (Naturerlebnisweg). At the end of this nature trail, turn right onto the so-called Kuchlweg trail, hiking to the vineyards on the western side of the valley. Just before the wine road, turn right into the trail through the field, following it until you reach the point where the wine road curves to the right. Cross over and now follow a trail through the field once more. Then follow the footpath next to the wine road to the church of San Giuseppe al Lago/St. Josef am See (Kirche St. Josef). Take the farm track to the right back to the starting point of the hike.

This leisurely stroll follows a country road through the vineyards to Tramin. At the halfway mark, in the tiny hamlet of Rungg, there is a farmer's inn offering drinks and snacks where you can rest (closed Wednsedays). After a visit to Tramin, we follow the same road back to Kurtatsch.

Neuhaus Castle Ruins (Maultasch) Neuhaus Castle was probably built in the early 13th century as a double castle: today only the walls remain. These were carefully restored, so that visitors can imagine what life was like there, in early times.

The Peace Trail (Friedensweg) in Caldaro was created between 1995 and 2000 by an action group led by Georg Reider. It leads from the Sportzone St. Anton car park across the cultural and natural landscape through the Kardatschertal valley or the wild Rastenbachklamm gorge to St Peter’s Church in Castelvecchio/Altenburg.

Seven stations invite hikers and pilgrims to pause and reflect. Artists have interpreted the five themes of “Moderation, Wisdom, Justice, Belief and Hope,” artistically applying them to the environment. The sixth station (Courage) is the Rastenbachklamm gorge. The seventh, Love, is represented by the ruins of the early Christian St Peter’s Church in Castelvecchio, probably the oldest church ruins in Tyrol.

Sturdy footwear is recommended for the hike and sure-footedness is also essential in some places.

The Apple Trail between Kurtatsch and Tramin is a lovingly designed thematic hiking trail that vividly showcases the importance of the apple in South Tyrol.
The Apple Trail can be explored from Kurtatsch to Tramin or vice versa, depending
on personal preference. On this scenic hike through the apple orchards, you will learn
many fascinating facts about the unique characteristics of the cultivation area and
the South Tyrolean apple.

The ropeway path leads from Gfrill/Cauria to the historic ruins of the ropeway station for material and wood transport.

 

On a dizzyingly high outcrop of dolomite rise the medieval ruins of Salorno’s castle - Haderburg. It was built in the first half of the thirteenth century and is one of the most important monuments in South Tyrol. The castle with its winery is open to the public from Easter until All Saints. Each year Salorno-Haderburg Castle hosts musical, literary and folk events.

The hike starts at the Altenburg Church above Kaltern. From here, a narrow yet easy-to-walk forest trail with a gentle incline leads to a panoramic viewpoint offering stunning views over the Adige Valley. The path is varied, passing through shady mixed forest – for some sections, a good head for heights is recommended.

At the viewpoint, turn left onto the St. Peter Trail and follow waymark no. 2. The trail winds downhill in serpentine curves through a small gorge and across a suspension bridge. Soon you’ll reach the ruins of the three-nave Church of St. Peter, an important relic of early Christian architecture. It is considered possibly the oldest church in Tyrol, believed to have been founded in the 6th century by Saint Vigilius of Trento. Fragments of frescoes by Thomas Egnolt from around 1400 are still visible – well worth a short stop.

From the ruins, the route continues toward the Rastenbach Gorge – an exciting highlight of the hike with dramatic views into the canyon. The trail descends into the gorge, where you enter at a junction and then follow it uphill. Sturdy footwear is essential here, as the stairs can be damp and slippery.

At the upper end of the gorge, you arrive at “Müllereck,” cross the road, and follow the trail to the left, leading back toward Altenburg. The return path takes you leisurely through meadows and forest until you arrive once again at the Altenburg Church – the starting point of this circular hike.

The tavern Bergjosl is located 600 meters above Terlan, but already belongs to the municipality of Mölten. The turnoff to the mountain restaurant is located halfway between Terlan and Mölten. The Mair family, owners of this Buschenschank, is supervising as well the only forest cemetery for animals in South Tyrol.

For used hikers this tour can start at the center of Terlan by walking along the Kirchgasse until reaching its end. Here you can find the last farm „Klaus in der Mühle" with its old mill. On the right starts the path to the weather cross (no. 3 A). You will reach the street to Mölten in front of the subway; take the way on the left and turn emediately right, in order to not pass the subway. From here take the left path after the second bend.

An other version of this way would be along the Weiler „Montigl" – „Grunerhof" and then through the scottish pine wood along rock faces to a panoramic view point. From here you can already see the "Buschenschank Bergjosl" and you reach it on a firstly slight descending path then go right.

From the main square the roout starts on a paed road, then to the right on a path leading to „Wies“. At the fence, the path turns to the right - first route H, then route 2 - and proceeds steeply upward on a forest path to the Hirschbettweiher (840 m). On the same path marked 2 we descend to a fork in the path where we go straight ahead. When the path meets the paved Kauderleweg we go to the right, where, after about a 20 inute walk, we reach the Gasthaus An der Himmelspfort inn and continue to the right back to the main square.

Long spring and autumn hike to the viewpoints above the Adigevalley between Branzoll and Auer. The trail passes the natural beauty of Bigleider Moos and Göllersee.

Apple Trail Tramin/Cortaccia – Experience nature, discover the apple

The Apple Trail Tramin/Cortaccia is a family-friendly themed trail that brings South Tyrol’s apple cultivation to life in an engaging way. The easy 4–5 km route runs through orchards and vineyards between Tramin and Cortaccia, offering beautiful views over the Adige Valley.

Whether in spring during blossom or in autumn at harvest time – the trail is a unique experience in every season. At 16 stations (sponsored by the Association of South Tyrolean Fruit Cooperatives – VOG), trilingual info panels provide insights into apple varieties, growing methods, storage, and the farmers’ work throughout the year.

The trail is ideal for families, school groups and nature lovers. Benches, viewpoints and short distances make it especially enjoyable. The section between Tramin and Milastiege is suitable for strollers.

Key facts:
Length: approx. 4–5 km | Walking time: approx. 1.5 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 130 m | Difficulty: easy
Ideal for: families, school classes, nature lovers
Not suitable for bicycles

Note: The trail crosses private land. Please stay on the marked path, keep dogs on a leash and respect nature and agriculture.

Tip: Guided apple walks with tastings are offered in Tramin and Kurtatsch by trained apple ambassadors.

From the main square of Kurtatsch we take the Obergasse, a street that starts steeply up to the small square, where we turn right. At the next intersection - near the fountain - we follow the Schiessstandweg, which continues as a narrow street through the woods (Trimm-Dich-Pfad). This road takes us past Kastelaz to the southern limits of Tramin. We return to Kurtatsch over the street to Rungg, to the right just before the Elena Walch winery.

On the Fennberger Straße, just before the summit, there is a signpost on the right for ‘Fenner Joch’. We follow the path - marker 3 - which partly turns into a forest road, until we reach the Rotwandalm hollow. There we keep to the right and hike uphill on the Rätersteig to the Fenner Joch (1,608 m). We return to Oberfennberg along the same route.

Not difficult path with some grades. Due to the countless spring flowers this hiking tour is especially recommended in the period end of February - beginning of March. Start- and final point: historical centre of Caldaro/Kaltern. Duration of walking: about 3.5 hours. Different of altitude: about 170 meters.

When you take this extra segment, you will begin from Gfrill, which is located at approx. 1,300 meters above sea-level, and continue to Buchholz at 560 meters above sea-level. At first, you'll have a pleasant, relaxing stroll downhill until you come to Unterstein. You can then continue along the old aerial lift trail until you reach the vestiges of an old cableway. The trail then goes downhill until you come to the brook where the Truden Faultline is especially noticeable. This boundary is distinctly visible not only on the basis of the different geological strata (dolomites and porphyry), but also due to the abrupt change in vegetation. You can then continue to the small village of Buchholz.

From Andrian along the Gaider Gorge to the ruins of Festenstein Castle - the path is only recommended for experts - on to the hamlet of Gaid (Moarhof), then down the Larchsteig to the Bittnerhof and back to Andrian.

Forest path with a steep but not difficult ascent. At the car park, follow the signpost marked no. 18.Leuchtenburg Castle, originally the seat of the Lords of Rottenburg, was first mentioned in a document in 1286. It was probably built around the year 1200 on the foundations of a prehistoric rampart castle. Sparse frescoes still exist. Beautiful views of Lake Kaltern, the South Tyrolean Wine Road and the Adige Valley.

From the small village of Buchholz, you will then continue on to Gfrill. Right after Buchholz, the Truden Faultline becomes especially noticeable. This boundary is visible not only on the basis of the different geological strata (dolomites and porphyry), but also due to the change in vegetation. The trail is steadily uphill until you come to the ruins of the walls of an old cableway. You continue along the old cableway trail, steadily uphill, until arriving in Gfrill, an alpine village surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

One highlight after another awaits you on this tour. Natural spectacles, panoramic views, a majestic castle ruin and the warmest bathing lake in the Alps round off the spectrum.

The Kalterer Höhenweg runs almost constantly at about one third of the height of the Mendel slope and with only a few ascents from the Kalterer Höhe (northernmost point) to the Ziegelstadl above Altenburg and on to the Gummererhof above Tramin (southernmost point). Some of the access routes are difficult. Do not hike these in summer during the hot midday hours! The Kalterer Höhenwanderweg trail is connected to the Eppaner Höhenweg trail by the Matschatsch hiking trail (signpost no. 9). Shortly before the Gummererhof farm, the Traminer Höhenweg trail (marker no. 9) continues southwards.

Follow the forest path that begins at the starting point, which is also the high trail, in a southerly direction (signpost ‘Altenburg’) (marker no. 9). Cross the funicular railway and continue along the forest road to the Ziegelstadl. There, immediately after the bridge, turn left down to Altenburg (signpost no. 9F). Alternative: From the Ziegelstadl, continue along the high-level trail to the Gummererhof (marker no. 9 G). From there, take the dirt track downhill and soon follow the signpost ‘Marking 4B’. Continue along a forest path to Altenburg (walking time for this variant approx. 1 ½ hours).

Beautiful, not difficult mountain hiking tour with some grades. Starting point: mountain station of the Mendel Cable Car. Final Point: pic Roen, 2116 meters. Duration of walking: about 3.5 hours. Different of altitude: about 750 meters. 

From Andrian walk through the gorge of river Gaido to the ruins of Festenstein - the trail is very steep and requires attention - continue to the hamlet of Gaido (Moarhof). a short distance along trail no. 8, continue along trail no. 6 to the viewpoint Burgstalleck and descend via the Sattelweg trail to the Bittnerhof farm and back to Andrian.

 

The hike offers some beautiful viewpoints: take some time to rest and enjoy the view: at the ruins of Castelforte (Festenstein), at Payer's Peak (Burgstalleck) and above Andriano at Schlosspichl.

Route: from the car park at Kalterer See lake, continue north to the Geier restaurant. Behind the restaurant, a narrow trail leads to the north into the orchards. Walk along these and turn off to the right in an easterly direction following the markers. At the slope on the eastern side of the valley, turn right, passing by the hotel on the left to the Klughammer road. First follow this road, then continue on a trail above the road.

This trail ends at the southern end of the lake. Cross the road to join the Nature Discovery Trail (Naturerlebnisweg). At the end of this nature trail, turn right onto the so-called Kuchlweg trail, hiking to the vineyards on the western side of the valley. Just before the wine road, turn right into the trail through the field, following it until you reach the point where the wine road curves to the right. Cross over and now follow a trail through the field once more. Then follow the footpath next to the wine road to the church of San Giuseppe al Lago/St. Josef am See (Kirche St. Josef). Take the farm track to the right back to the starting point of the hike.